Opening batsman Kusal Perera hit a career-best 84 off 59 balls and protected Sri Lanka’s No. 1 ranking with a series-levelling 24-run victory over Pakistan in the second and final Twenty20 international yesterday.

Perera smashed five fours and four sixes as Sri Lanka posted 211 for 3 the highest ever conceded by Pakistan in the shortest format of the game.

Offspinner Sachithra Senanayake with 3 for 27 ran through the middle order to dismiss Pakistan for 187 in 19.2 overs.